Major step forward in plans for new McDonald's
Plus: Man attacked housemate over dropped vape
Good morning and welcome to your Monday briefing from Ashfield News. Today there is an update on plans for a new McDonald’s restaurant in an Ashfield town, a dropped vape led to a man appearing in court and much more.
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Plans for new McDonald’s store takes step forward
Plans for a new McDonald’s restaurant in a Nottinghamshire town have taken a step forward.
A planning application for advertisement and signage has been submitted for the new takeaway in
Sutton-in-Ashfield.
The application, submitted by Lichfields, is for several signs at the new unit at the Broad Centre.
The proposed signage includes a large illuminated ‘McDonald’s’ fascia sign and multiple non-illuminated ‘Golden Arch’ signs, positioned above the entrance and around the building’s canopy.
The McDonald’s lettering will be displayed on a dark grey metal board, with the text measuring almost 4m in width.
The Golden Arch signs will be placed on the canopy and on either side of the main entrance, with one large sign above the doors and two smaller signs flanking the entrance.
This application follows previous approvals for the sub-division of the unit and alterations to the building’s external design, which will allow McDonald’s to operate a restaurant and takeaway from the location.
Lichfields says the proposed signage will align with the character of the area, noting that the proposed signs are comparable in size and materials to the existing signage from when the unit was occupied by Poundland.
The proposal comes after the fast food giant backed out of plans for a new restaurant in Kirkby-in-Ashfield.
A decision is due on the proposal by February 6.
Man attacked housemate over dropped vape
A man attacked his housemate after they accidentally dropped a vape, causing a thud.
Nyaia Lakaiko, 42, stabbed his 23-year-old victim in the head and slashed him on the wrist, leaving him petrified and fearing for his life.
Nottingham Crown Court heard the incident happened at a shared accommodation in Surrey Drive, Mansfield on June 15.
Lakaiko became angry after hearing a loud thud coming from the next room, which the court heard was caused by the victim accidentally dropping a vape.
This prompted Lakaiko to bang on the wall and shout at the victim, who responded in the same manner.
Seconds later, Lakaiko entered the victim’s room and lunged at him with a kitchen knife.
The victim managed to flee downstairs where a third housemate helped deescalate the situation.
The court heard the victim sustained a cut to his wrist and three head wounds, which were closed with glue at King’s Mill Hospital.
Lakaiko was arrested and went on to be charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm.
As he awaited court proceedings, he was further charged with breaking a bail condition after he failed to sign on at Mansfield Police Station on September 23.
Lakaiko, currently of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to both offences and was jailed for 12 months, suspended for two years, when he was sentenced on Tuesday (10 December).
He must also attend 10 rehabilitation activity days as part of his sentence. A two-year restraining order was also imposed.
PC Jordan Brimelow, who led the investigation, said: “This was an appalling episode that left the victim fearing for his life.
“There is no excuse for the level of violence displayed by Lakaiko and I hope he takes the second chance afforded to him by the court.
“As is so often the case with knife crime, the consequences of this incident could have been far worse and therefore we will continue to take action against those who behave in such an appalling and dangerous manner.”
Major pressures felt at King’s Mill Hospital
Bosses at King’s Mill Hospital have laid bare the pressures being experienced by emergency teams.
In papers discussed by Sherwood Forest Hospitals’ board this month, acting CEO David Selwyn stated demand for emergency and urgent care has been above its planned levels all year, with the exception of August.
Mr Selwyn said: “The high demand has meant that, despite us launching our winter plan actions, the capacity across our hospitals has been under sustained pressure.
“This pressure has resulted in us not being able to always offer the timely care we aspire to, evidenced by a deterioration in our emergency access performance (four-hour performance) to just below 70% in October 2024.”
Emergency care was put under further strain during this time as heavy snow hit Nottinghamshire, with “severe overcrowding” being reported at King’s Mill’s emergency department on November 25.
Mr Selwyn added: “During this time, it took us much longer to assess and treat our patients, as the department cared for twice the number of patients than it would usually treat at any one time. Despite those challenges, we continue to perform well in delivering timely ambulance handovers.”
Next stage in plans for super tip
Investigation work is set to take place for a new recycling centre in Kirkby-in-Ashfield.
Mansfield and Kirkby’s current tips were slated to be replaced with one new and more efficient site due to their close proximity to each other.
The proposal was made by Nottinghamshire County Council, which has identified two potential sites for the new tip.
These are at Jubilee Way in Mansfield and the Portland Industrial Park in Kirkby. The authority said both sites will now be looked into to assess their suitability.
Neil Clarke, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “I would like to confirm that although we’re undertaking works to identify replacements for the current sites in Kirkby in Ashfield, Mansfield and West Bridgford, no existing site will close until a better and more efficient replacement is open and ready to welcome residents.
“We commissioned a strategic review of our household waste and recycling centre network in 2022 to make sure that sites are best serving Nottinghamshire residents as we look towards the future.”
Brothers help spread some Christmas joy
Two children from Kirkby-in-Ashfield have raised more than £600 to buy presents for vulnerable children across Nottinghamshire this Christmas.
Maxi, aged 12, and Jack, aged six, set out to spread festive cheer after hearing about Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service’s annual toy appeal.
With the help of generous donations through their GoFundMe page, the boys surpassed their £500 target, enabling them to purchase hundreds of gifts.
On Tuesday 10 December, Maxi and Jack, accompanied by their parents and firefighters from Ashfield Fire Station, visited Smyths Toy Superstore in Mansfield.
They spent £690.71 on toys and £100 on selection boxes for children in need.
Maxi and Jack’s mum, Kirsty, said she was proud of their efforts.
She also thanked Ashfield Fire Station for making the experience memorable.
Carl Tolley, a firefighter at Ashfield, expressed his gratitude for the boys' contribution, highlighting how their fundraising was crucial for the appeal.
The toy drive has gained momentum across Nottinghamshire, with contributions from other individuals and businesses, including Leo Hammond, a five-year-old from Trowell, who is donating over 50 toys.